A Little Bit Sinful(17)

“Then let us not delay dinner any further,” Marcus said.

“If I could have a moment with Clarissa,” Justin said.

Marcus nodded, then led the rest into the dining room. Vivian busied herself directing people to the appropriate chairs.

Clarissa’s friend eyed her, then gave her a smile and stepped into the dining room.

When they were alone, Justin spoke first. “Is that Ella?”

“It is. Did you have a chance to speak with her father?” Clarissa asked in a hushed voice.

“I visited Lord Weaver this morning.”

She twisted her pinky finger with her other hand. “And?”

“I told him that you and I had spoken about the matter based on a conversation you and his daughter had. He was reluctant at first, but I convinced him that Mr. Bembridge was an excellent solicitor and would be able to restore his coffers. He’s agreed. You should be receiving the letter hiring,” he cleared his throat, “Mr. Bembridge in the next day or so.”

She gave him with a brilliant smile. “I could hug you right now, Justin. Thank you for helping. I couldn’t live with myself if I knew my dearest friend’s family was in dire straits and I could have helped, but stood by and did nothing.”

“I should very much enjoy that hug, I believe, but perhaps we should keep our embraces more of the private nature. Do you have ideas for their investments?”

“I do.” She told him about her thoughts and he was pleased that she’d already thought about several investments that would be highly profitable.

“Good ideas. I think those are excellent choices. I have a few other suggestions you can look at as well,” he said. “If you need additional options.”

“This makes us partners, Chrissy,” he whispered next to her ear. “Shall we?” He offered his arm and she took it. They walked into the dining room.

He smiled when he realized they’d seated him next to Clarissa. She, on the other hand, seemed somewhat flustered, but she took her seat nonetheless, refusing his assistance when he offered. Her friend was seated on the other side of her and was more than pleased when he offered her help. She smiled broadly up at him. She was shorter than Clarissa, more plump as well, and she was very pretty. Pretty in a fresh, straight from the schoolroom sort of way with her bouncing brown curls and wide green eyes.

“Justin, I am so pleased you could make it this evening,” Vivian said. “I didn’t know what your schedule would be, but I don’t suppose your establishment begins to get too busy until dinner parties like these come to a close.”

“We do tend to get busier afterwards, but there is always gaming to be found at Rodale’s. We are open whenever someone wants to play.”

“Fascinating,” Vivian said. “I’ve never been much of a gambler myself, but it is interesting.”

…

Clarissa didn’t find it interesting in the least. Wasting money on a game of chance made no sense to her at all. And truly all she could think of was the rumor Ella had shared with her. Obviously Clarissa had some brazenness inside her as Justin had been able to coax it out with merely a kiss. Of course it had been a toe-curling, knee-weakening kiss that certainly would have caused even her majesty to show a little wantonness.

“I am not a gambler either,” Justin said.

Ironic, that—Justin owning a gaming establishment, but not choosing to gamble with his own money. George was obviously a gambler, or perhaps he had lied about owing money all together. Understanding more about all of that, despite her disinterest, could make her more worldly, couldn’t it?

“Perhaps merely a shrewd businessman,” Vivian said.

“I made some good guesses on what would be popular with this crowd. While I am not one of them,” he said, “I was raised alongside them and I know them fairly well.”

“It’s amazing what you can learn simply by watching,” Vivian said.

“Indeed.” Justin turned his heated gaze to her. “You look lovely tonight, Chrissy,” he said with a grin.

Though he did not touch her, warmth radiated off his hands and seemed to permeate through her evening gown. She shook off a shiver. “Sh! Someone could hear you.”

“Hear me give a beautiful woman a compliment? Is that such a sin?”

He had her there. She nodded in concession. “Thank you.” But she refused to tell him that he too looked beautiful. Women didn’t say such things regardless of the fact that for Justin Rodale it would have been the complete truth. It was ridiculous how handsome he was, with his dark features and sultry eyes. Eyes that at the very moment were staring directly at her. Precisely what was the purpose for a man to have such long eyelashes? Thick and dark, they framed his eyes, eyes so dark they were beyond brown. She shivered again.